ABOUT

Alex Fergusson qualified as an Architect in 1991, having studied at Kingston and the Royal College of Art.With experience in a wide range of projects the practice focuses on innovative design solutions for new build houses, reconfiguring and extending existing traditional houses, and commercial spaces.Alex Fergusson Architects can provide a range of services from initial feasibility through to planning drawings, full design, construction, tender information and project management.We have long standing associations with other design and construction team members, such as structural and mechanical engineers, quantity and party-wall surveyors, builders and construction companies.

PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY

The value in a project is in the idea. It is the idea that unlocks the potential that may not be apparent in a building or site.This, coupled with economy of design and innovative use of space, provides the basis for client and architect to enjoy a dialogue that should both test the ideas and realise the clients brief.To assist this process we produce models to accompany the drawings early on in the design process, thus making the ideas more immediate and accessible whilst actively encouraging constructive criticism.

CONTACT

020 8977 7323alex@afarchitects.co.uk

Testimonials

Alex subsequently took the project through design, planning, tender, construction and snagging with the end result being a complete transformation.

When Alex first visited our house to look at the issues with our kitchen and family room, he immediately identified a dead space which was too narrow to be useful but large enough to feel it was wasted space. Alex worked up a feasibility study showing us a number of options to rework the large room with varying amounts of work and therefore cost. We discussed the optionsbefore deciding to take the most extensive option. Alex then created a 3D model allowing us to visualise the space and flow. Alex subsequently took the project through design, planning, tender, construction and snagging with the end result being a completetransformation. The biggest benefit of having a good architect is having a space which is interesting, works for the family andthere is now a place for everything.

— J Walsh, Teddington

Alex Fergusson’s architectural contribution was all we could have hoped for. His design waselegant and unusually attentive to our concerns as clients.

He was keenly aware of what we could and couldn’t afford and shepherded the project from beginning to end in a waythat gave us the reassurance and confidence we needed, and that was characterized by an attention to detail that madesure that the project came in on time and on budget, or at least as close to those things as was possible in lightof extras that we specifically asked for. He worked extremely sympathetically with the contractor and so ensuredthat very few of the headaches that inevitably arise in a building project were anything that we had to worry about.We now have a thrilling extension to our living space, one in which it is hard to find any flaw in planning or execution.

— T Macklem

I asked Alex to refresh the bathrooms (4 in all) in my Victorian house, as a few attempts at renovation had been thwarted.

Design and PlanningAlex came up with a brilliant idea of using the space in a way that I would never have conceived of, produced easily readable drawings, and made meticulous models to show his plans. There was a well thought out logic to each design, and a special extra element that makes each bathroom a pleasure to use.The planning of the project was meticulous. The selection of materials was made very easy, as I felt I could rely on his experience and knowledge of materials to achieve the best possible result.The details that I was worrying about did not seem a problem to Alex, and were immediately solved or talked through to a positive outcome.

Tendering and BuildingIt was a simple selection to find a contractor, and Alex ran a very tight ship in the sequencing of the works and making sure the work went to schedule, and was also on time and on budget. He kept me informed of every stage of the procedure.He was firm and direct with the builder, so there was never any room for doubt, or for any confusion to arise. His brief was clear and direct.In the end, I chose to have help with the interior decoration, which, though not to Alex’s taste, he was happy to accommodate, and made sure that the fitting all ran smoothly.

OutcomeI am totally thrilled with the result of the works, and the house is a total joy to be in. His design for the master bedroom suite works like a dream, and adds a wonderful unexpected visual treat to a traditional house.The bathrooms are exactly as he had outlined, and on budget. There were no hideous add-on costs, as I have previously had with another architect.I would welcome the opportunity to work with Alex again. It was a totally pleasurable and creative experience, where I felt he was totally honest, reliable and trustworthy. He also is on hand always to answer any worries or queries that may come up, and will follow through if any other problems arise.

As well as redesigning my bathrooms, Alex also helped me improve the dynamics of my drawing room, working out the size of my new sofa and reconfiguring the sound systems and mantel piece for the fire, reconsidering the dynamics of the room and making it work in a more dynamic way. He also designed a beautiful cherry wood bookshelf for a sitting room which helped improve a room that previously had not worked to its potential.

— J Goldhill

Throughout the process I was really struck by Alex’s professionalism, he never needed chasing up and was always one step ahead...

I had a wonderful apartment with an enormous roof terrace above it but the two were only linked by an outdoor staircase. I really wanted to find a way of linking the indoor and outdoor space so that we could enjoy both while being in one. From my initial meeting with Alex it immediately became clear that what I needed was a multi-purpose room that could adapt to the needs of the occupants, e.g. study, quiet room , additional bedroom etc, whilst maximising the enjoyment of the wonderful views across London from the roof terrace.The ideas that he presented addressed my requirements whilst also offering up additional values that I had not included in the brief. The presentation was by drawing and model which made it very easy to understand. Alex was totally open for feedback and willing to address comments and make adaptations, whilst being able to convey his ideas and rationale in an articulate manner. It was very easy to have an open dialogue about the design.Throughout the process I was really struck by the Alex’s professionalism, he never needed chasing up and were always one step ahead. He was realistic and confident to bring any concerns to me as the client. The process of selecting a contractor was extremely positive and I was amazed at how realistic he had been in relation to budget, so no horrible surprises when the tenders came back. The building process went very well, and the level of monitoring by Alex was excellent. I particularly found receiving regular site meeting reports helpful. Working full time with two young children led me to have some concerns prior to the commencement of the project as to how much time it would take from my schedule, but I was pleasantly surprised that it really went very smoothly and I do put this down to his excellent organisational skills.The project has now been completed and I am absolutely thrilled with the results, it has totally met my expectations and has really changed the way the whole space works.